Today's letters: The ruin of us all

Published: Sunday, March 24, 2013 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, March 22, 2013 at 5:08 p.m.

To the editor: There is nothing common about common sense in Washington, D.C. Demagoguery is king. The nobles bathe themselves in the frothy waters of partisan loathing and stink from the effort.

These would-be Robin Hoods take from the unborn, threaten the rich, pander to the middle and forsake the poor. The villains — those white, married, Christian, tea party Republicans flying corporate jets armed with semi-automatic filibusters and austerity bombs — will be the ruin of us all. Will sticks and stones be enough to thwart these rascals? Don’t know, but there is always vitriol.

Brian Barr

Hendersonville

Special indeed

To the editor: This letter is in response to the ubiquitous Joseph Haley in hopes of dissuading him from his self-delusional omnipotence and sarcasm concerning the FBI and its special agents.

Even though the vast majority of men and women with whom I served as an FBI special agent for 30 years were indeed very special — intelligent, courageous, honorable and dedicated to protecting the freedom and safety of all good Americans — the term “special” actually applies to the criminal laws passed by Congress, violations of which were assigned for “special” investigation by the FBI.

By the way, my former colleagues tell me that the FBI will be calling on Mr. Haley for advice on training its agents — as soon as the nether regions become ice-bound.

Thomas L. Carpenter

Hendersonville

Local products

To the editor: The March 7 letter writer who expressed her concern over the lack of practical products for local residents is a puzzlement. She was very concerned about former businesses whose owners are now retired or passed on, but she didn’t seem to have the same concern for current local employees who are making a living on Main Street or locals who are selling their products on Main Street.

<p>To the editor: There is nothing common about common sense in Washington, D.C. Demagoguery is king. The nobles bathe themselves in the frothy waters of partisan loathing and stink from the effort.</p><p>These would-be Robin Hoods take from the unborn, threaten the rich, pander to the middle and forsake the poor. The villains  those white, married, Christian, tea party Republicans flying corporate jets armed with semi-automatic filibusters and austerity bombs  will be the ruin of us all. Will sticks and stones be enough to thwart these rascals? Don’t know, but there is always vitriol.</p><p><em>Brian Barr</em></p><p><em>Hendersonville</em></p><h3>Special indeed</h3>
<p>To the editor: This letter is in response to the ubiquitous Joseph Haley in hopes of dissuading him from his self-delusional omnipotence and sarcasm concerning the FBI and its special agents.</p><p>Even though the vast majority of men and women with whom I served as an FBI special agent for 30 years were indeed very special  intelligent, courageous, honorable and dedicated to protecting the freedom and safety of all good Americans  the term special actually applies to the criminal laws passed by Congress, violations of which were assigned for special investigation by the FBI.</p><p>By the way, my former colleagues tell me that the FBI will be calling on Mr. Haley for advice on training its agents  as soon as the nether regions become ice-bound.</p><p><em>Thomas L. Carpenter</em></p><p><em>Hendersonville</em></p><h3>Local products</h3>
<p>To the editor: The March 7 letter writer who expressed her concern over the lack of practical products for local residents is a puzzlement. She was very concerned about former businesses whose owners are now retired or passed on, but she didn’t seem to have the same concern for current local employees who are making a living on Main Street or locals who are selling their products on Main Street.</p><p>Perhaps it would be helpful for her and others to know that local products and practical products such as scarfs, caps, sweaters, socks, umbrellas, tea cheaper than Lipton, soap, lotions, Vermont Bag Balm (the best product ever for cracked, dry skin), syrups, honey, mixing bowls, dog leashes that last, kitchen strainers, ovenware for baking, wine, chocolate, cooking utensils, kitchen towels, knives, cutting boards, furniture, tablecloths, candles, salt and pepper shakers, no text (thank God!) games for children, guitar picks, keyboards, sheet music, old-fashioned candy, sheets and pillowcases, nightgowns and bookmarks are here.</p><p>With an average ticket price of $20 or less, downtown has never been a more practical destination for shopping. But more than that, it’s local.</p><p><em>Eva L. Ritchey</em></p><p><em>Hendersonville</em></p>